Hinton 21
What is it and why?
Hinton 21 was started in late 2016, the name indicating that it is focused on the 21st Century and not the year 2021.
The overall purpose of Hinton 21 is "to support the financial and structural integrity of Saint Michael's Church throughout the 21st Century and beyond, by expanding general awareness of, and interest in, Hinton Church outside the immediate congregation and parish – leading to a wider involvement in, and support of, its financial viability".
It was not actually set up particularly for the regular congregation, but to enable people who have a local or distant link - through family events or general interest in Saint Michael's - to support this particular church into the future.
Their interest or curiosity may be historical, architectural, musical etc – or a wish to have a spiritual or religious connection.
Whatever the attraction, we, the current congregation, are the best ambassadors to enable other people to see its worth and to join us. At the same time membership brings in money which is only spent on the material issues – upkeep, renewal, replacement etc – not on the payment of insurance, fees, salaries, day-to-day running costs etc.
As such the money raised by Hinton-21 enables us to maintain our own independence in an ever- more-corporate world and to maintain our Church for the future – for the 21st Century and beyond.
Many of our congregation do support Hinton-21 - either through membership or through involvement in specific events. As ambassadors, may we all be encouraged to widen the awareness and purposes of Hinton-21 so it continues to grow. If you are not already a member, please consider joining us – there is no fixed fee – just what you would be happy to contribute regularly.
Whatever your reasons for joining - your interest may be personal, religious or spiritual, or may be more to do with history, or old churches, or Victorian architecture etc - it is hoped that you will see a benefit in being a part of this initiative.
Above all else, Hinton 21 is an outward-facing, forward looking adjunct to the life of Saint Michael and All Angels, so it does not seek to replicate or "take over" other aspects or activities of Church life.
It seems appropriate for it to be close to "The Friends of Saint Michael's" as both entities are involved in fund-raising and social interaction. "The Friends" primary focus is on our congregation and current church life, providing opportunities for getting together and for raising sufficient funds for our social expenses, and for "special donations" to church funds where possible and appropriate.
The focus of "Hinton 21" is on the outside world. It therefore looks for ways to encourage this world to become engaged with Saint Michael's, and to assist it with financial donations.
How the funds are used to maintain the Church
The committee of Hinton 21 are extremely grateful to the members who contribute to the fund raising that enhances our beautiful Church. Without their ongoing support many of the recent projects completed for the Church would not be able to be funded without depleting precious church funds. .
- Projects that have been completed using the generosity of Hinton 21 members so far:
- Repairing the fence at the front of the Church
- Flood lighting the Church
- Repairing the Lych Gate
- Renovating the entrance gates
- Updating the Church toilet facility
- Providing the Church pew cushions